Look up Italian cultural customs, dining rules, and practical dos & don'ts by setting. Select a situation below (or search by keyword) to understand coperto cover charges, standing vs. table prices at espresso bars, Vatican and church dress codes, validating regional train tickets, and ZTL driving fines.
The Golden Rules of Italian Etiquette
- Always greet with Buongiorno or Buonasera: Walking into any shop, café, bakery, or hotel reception in Italy without saying Buongiorno (morning/early afternoon) or Buonasera (late afternoon/evening)—and Arrivederci when leaving—is considered impolite.
- Understand Coperto and tipping: A legal per-person cover charge (coperto, €1.50–€4.00) appears on almost every sit-down restaurant menu to cover bread, linens, and table setting. Tipping 15–20% is not an Italian custom; rounding up the bill or leaving €1–€2 per person for extraordinary service is plenty.